Manhunt suspect leaves series of Facebook comments

EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A man who’s been on the run for several days seems to be taunting authorities through social media.

Edgar County deputies are still trying to track down Benjamin Hornbrook.

The sheriff’s office posted on Facebook Thursday night saying they aren’t sure if he’s still in the Kansas, Illinois area. Immediately, an account with the name “Benjamin Hornbrook” started commenting on the post.

He’s made several comments claiming he’s innocent, and that he was only passing through the area where the Pleasant Hill Church is – not trying to steal from it.

He’s also taunting the sheriff’s office, saying quote “he managed to outsmart authorities and their K9 on more than one occasion, and they’re just now thinking I left town.”

We believe this is him for several reasons; he lives in the same area of Indiana, his profile picture is of him, and he’s tagged in a relationship with the woman who he tried to escape the police in Edgar County with. His mother has also commented on the post urging him to turn himself in.

We spoke with the sheriff’s office over the phone today. The sheriff wasn’t in, and they seemed to be unaware of the comments.

The woman who was arrested trying to escape with Hornbrook is Mannuela Luna. She’s being charged with burglary, criminal damage to property and trespassing.

In Hornbrook’s comments, he says Luna is a law-abiding citizen who is just guilty by association.

Hornbrook is wanted for possession of stolen property in Edgar County, and “escape” in Indiana. His Indiana warrant is for intentionally violating his home detention.

The Edgar County Sheriff’s Office has also said they have additional arrest warrants for him. If you have any information, call the sheriff’s office the number on your screen.

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